well I just half filled my barrel with left over meat from the freezer, how long does it usually take for the bear to hit the bait?, that is if they are awake yet.

Where are you hunting? Did you use anything other than meat? Any scents?

some sugar and old donughts I ag still going to get some beavers for bait aswell

Answers to the other 2 questions would be helpful in giving more advice.

We just put our baits out on Sunday.Bears love beaver carcasses,pastries,dry dog food,oats ,breadand molassas.We layer the contents and douse it with a gallon jug of molassas.I hope you chainedyour barrels to the tree with a lrg. washer and a 6" lag screw.It's amazing how strong these animals are.It usually takes about 2 weeks for baits to become active[depends on bear densities -time of year.....etc].I've shot more than one while restocking a bait sight so be on guard.When they've found an easy food source they hole up nearby so keep talking to a minimum.I cut a 6" sqare hole in the top of the barrel so the bear can only reach in far enough to empty 1/2 the payload unless you like packing bait.I have two boys that are itching to get a bear[12 + 14 year olds] so I'll just be guiding and riding shotgun.Good luck on your hunt.......Harold Alberta Canada

if there in the area shouldn't take long

once the dams are thawed I am going to shoot a few beavers and hang them, I am hunting near Drayton Valley Alberta. Where in alberta are you from pioneer? I can't wait til my boys are old enough to hunt!

Red Deer....................Harold